The viral rumours have created panic among tourists, with some airlines cancelling flights to Japanese cities due to low passenger demand.

A series of earthquakes near Japan’s remote Tokara Islands over the past two weeks, along with a major eruption from a long-dormant volcano earlier this week, has added to growing speculation about a disaster striking Japan on July 5.

Over 1,000 quakes rock Japan, fueling fears over a July 5 earthquake prediction from a viral manga. Officials deny scientific basis, urge calm.